Handheld steamers are the best way to clean carpets. Rather than using an upright cleaner, a handheld steamer can penetrate into the fabric more deeply. When you use a regular vacuum cleaner, it just goes to the surface of the carpet and misses a lot of dirt on the inside that’s trapped there by the furniture, people walking over it, pets, and so on. Using steam to clean allows you to go deeper into rugs and mats and get embedded dirt out much faster.
Best Handheld Steamer For Cleaning Reviews
1. Bissell SteamShot Hard Surface Steam Cleaner with Natural Sanitization
| Brand | Bissell |
| Special Feature | Specialty Multi-Surface Tools |
| Surface Recommendation | Floor |
| Model Name | Steam Shot |
| Included Components | Six Attachments |
Take the natural, cleaning and sanitizing power of steam to a variety of hard surfaces in your home with BISSELL® Steam Shot™ Handheld Steam Cleaner. It comes with seven tools, so it works on shower doors, grout, ovens, microwaves, and so much more. The on-demand trigger allows you to control the amount of steam released while cleaning.
Steam Shot uses only water to clean, giving you a 100% chemical-free clean, so it’s safe to use around kids and pets when you use it as directed. Plus, every purchase of this steam cleaner helps save pets! BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation® and its mission to help save homeless pets. When you buy a BISSELL product, you help save pets, too. We’re proud to design products that help make pet messes, odors, and pet homelessness disappear.
Eliminates 99.9% of Germs
A powerful, high-pressure, high-temperature handheld steam cleaner works to sanitize a variety of hard surfaces in your home.
Perfect cleaning without chemicals
Safe to use around kids and pets when used as directed.
Scrubbing Brush
Three color-coded round brushes, designate for specific rooms or for use on different messes.
Flat Scraper Tool
Scrapes hard, stuck-on messes across surfaces like microwaves, stovetops, ovens, and more.
Angle Concentrator Tool
Directs steam into hard-to-reach areas.
2. BISSELL Power Steamer Heavy Duty 3-in-1 Steam Mop and Handheld Steamer
| Brand | Bissell |
| Surface Recommendation | Windows |
| Model Name | BISSELL PowerSteamer Heavy Duty 3-in-1 Sanitizing Steam Mop and Handheld Steamer for Outdoor Use, 2685ABISSELL PowerSteamer Heavy Duty 3-in-1 Sanitizing Steam Mop and Handheld Steamer for Outdoor Use. |
| Item Weight | 6.13 Pounds |
| Color | Black |
Powerful, high-temperature steam product to remove dirt, grime, grease stains, and mold across a variety of indoor and outdoor surfaces. 3-in-1 heavy-duty, multi-purpose steam cleaner. Chemical-free.
Flat Surface Tool and Mop Pad
Steam clean flat, indoor and outdoor surfaces, like running boards, auto interiors, outdoor patio furniture, decks, and more.
Angle Concentrator Tool
Directs steam into hard to reach nooks and crannies.
Fabric Steamer and Cloth
Refresh upholstered surfaces, including car interiors, car seats, patio cushions, pillows, and more.
Window Squeegee
Steam clean flat surfaces like the inside and outside of windows, glass and mirrors.
Floor Mop Tool
Naturally clean indoor and outdoor sealed floors with the Steam Mop Foot and washable, microfiber pad.
Extension Wand
Bring the power of steam to high, low, and other hard-to-reach indoor and outdoor areas.
On-Board Accessories
High-use tools stored in a toolbox on the handheld cleaner, so you can easily switch out attachments to fit your cleaning needs.
Wall Mount
Conveniently store the cleaner, toolbox, and accessories bag when you’re done cleaning.
3. McCulloch MC1230 Handheld Steam Cleaner with Extension Hose
| Brand | McCULLOCH |
| Special Feature | Quick heat-up time |
| Surface Recommendation | Tile |
| Model Name | MC1230 |
| Included Components | Steam cleaner, accessories |
The McCulloch MC1230 Handheld Steam Cleaner is a multi-purpose steam cleaner for use outdoors and indoors. Using ordinary water heated to over 200F, the MC1230 effectively and naturally cleans a wide variety of surfaces. Includes 11 versatile attachments. Powerful steam and lockable steam trigger allow you to continuously blast through the task at hand.
Supported by a customer service team based in Andover, Kansas. With over 50 years of experience in the design and manufacture of outdoor power equipment, McCulloch has established an unrivaled reputation for design, reliability, and value in a wide range of outdoor, garden, and workshop products. The model is made for 120 volts only.
Lockable Steam Trigger
Steam longer without holding the trigger, or simply use the trigger for on-demand steam.
Powerful Jet Nozzle
The powerful jet nozzle focuses the flow of steam to release dirt and grime.
Direct Fill Water Tank
6-ounce capacity water tank provides up to 10 minutes of continuous steam.
Extension Hose
The 34 inch extension hose provides additional freedom to easily reach a variety of spaces.
Brush Away Grease and Grime
The attachable utility brushes are ideal for use on many surfaces around the home, including carpet, ceramic tile, grouting, and more.
Versatile Scraper Attachment
Scrape and remove baked on food from ovens or other hard to remove materials.
Added Scrubbing Power
Scrub tough dirt and scuffs from automobile engines, countertops, and more.
4. BLACK+DECKER 7in1 Steam Mop with SteamGlove Handheld Steamer
| Brand | BLACK+DECKER |
| Surface Recommendation | Tubs,Tile |
| Model Name | Steam Mop |
| Included Components | 1) 2in1 Steam Mop & Handheld steamer, 1) Steamglove accessory, 2) Steam mop pads, 2) Steamglove pads, Accessory hose, Adjustable Steam nozzle, small plastic brush, Grout brush, Copper brush, Fabric steamer, Accessory bag.1) 2in1 Steam Mop & Handheld steamer, 1) Steamglove accessory, 2) Steam mop pads, 2) Steamglove pads, Accessory hose, Adjustable St. |
| Wattage | 1300 watts |
Get an all-around clean with the BLACK+DECKER 7in1 Steam-Mop with SteamGlove. This steam cleaner removes dirt and grime on surfaces from sealed floors to shower doors and wood to tile. Its ultra-versatile design converts from a mop to handheld with the push of a button for top-to-bottom cleaning. Use various accessories for specific steam cleaning needs. The comfortable SteamGlove hand steamer puts the power of steam cleaning in your hands, so you can get difficult areas for a thorough clean.
SteamGlove
Wearable glove offers even greater control and efficiency when cleaning in awkward angles and tight spaces.
Heats up quickly
After plugging it in, the Steam-Mop is ready to clean and steam in only 20 seconds.
Swivel head
Effortlessly maneuvers in tight spaces and underneath and around furniture.
Stainless steel
For use on all your stainless steel kitchen appliances.
Adjustable steam nozzle
Delivers a shot of steam to tackle hard-to-reach areas, along with ovens, toilet seats, and microwaves.
Metal grate cleaner
Gets rid of tough grease and grime on grill and oven racks.
Garment steamer
Refreshes and removes wrinkles from clothing, bedding, and all sorts of other fabrics.
5. Steamfast SF-210 Handheld Steam Cleaner with 6 Accessories
| Brand | Steamfast |
| Special Feature | Handheld |
| Surface Recommendation | Hard Floor |
| Model Name | SF-210 |
| Included Components | Handheld Steamer, accessories |
The Steamfast SF-210 Everyday Steam Cleaner places the power and convenience of steam cleaning in your hand. Lightweight and portable, the Everyday Steam Cleaner fits all of the benefits of steam cleaning into a form factor that is easy to use and store. The Everyday Steam Cleaner is ready in 3 minutes or less harnessing the natural effective power of steam to clean a wide variety of surfaces. The SF-210 comes with multiple accessories to make common cleaning tasks simple. From kitchen counters to bathroom tiles, blast away dirt and grime throughout your home with the Everyday Steam Cleaner.
Easy-fill tank.
A 6 oz. water boiler heats up in 3 minutes and produces over 8 minutes of continuous, powerful steam.
On-demand steam control.
A conveniently-located steam-on-demand button activates the flow of steam.
Powerful steam cleaner.
With a variety of attachable brushes, the SF-210 becomes a fully versatile handheld steam cleaner for blasting tough dirt and grime from surfaces all around your home.
Attachable extension hose.
For those hard-to-reach areas, the SF-210 comes equipped with a 28-inch attachable extension hose.
No surface too big or too small
Your home is made of many different things. Cleaning them shouldn’t be a chore. Our all-natural steam care solutions are a 100% chemical-free way to clean and freshen your home.
6. Wagner Spraytech 0282014 915e On-Demand Steam Cleaner & Wallpaper Removal
| Brand | Wagner Spraytech |
| Surface Recommendation | Hard Floor, Carpet |
| Model Name | Wagner 0282014 915 On-demand Steam Cleaner, 120 Volts |
| Included Components | User Manual, Utility Brushes, Power Steamer, Measuring Cup And Fill Funnel, Two Extension Tubes, Floor-Cleaning Brush And Cloth, Window Squeegee, 500-Watt On-Demand Power Steamer And Cleaner, Wagner 915 (0282014) 1User Manual, Utility Brushes, Power Steamer, Measuring Cup And Fill Funnel, Two Extension Tubes, Floor-Cleaning Brush And Cloth, Window Squeegee, 500-Watt On-Demand Power Steamer And Cleaner. |
| Wattage | 1500 watts |
The Wagner 915e Power Steamer is a multipurpose, chemical free steam cleaner that can be used to strip wallpaper and clean numerous areas around your home without chemicals! You can use the 18 included nozzles and accessories to loosen and dissolve grease and grime on kitchen countertops, grout, appliances, toilets, showers, flooring, sinks, and much more.
You can also use the steamer outdoors to clean grills, outdoor furniture, and even automobiles. Just add up to 40 oz. of distilled water for chemical-free, natural cleaning and up to 40 minutes of run-time on a full tank. You can also use the included wallpaper steam plate to easily strip away old, outdated wallpaper without using harsh chemicals. This steamer is easy to use for homeowners and is a great tool to have for homes with pets and kids.
Features
- Holds up to 40 oz. of water and heats up in under 9 minutes
- Chemical free way to clean
- Up to 40 minutes of run time
- Fully portable wheel design
- Nozzles pack away into built-in storage compartment
Buying Guide For The Best Handheld Steamer For Cleaning
Over the course of several months, we thoroughly tested dozens of choices at The Lab as well as at our homes in an effort to identify the top steam cleaners on the market. In The Lab, we began by unpacking and setting up each cleaner, monitoring how long it took and assessing if the directions were clear.
Each selection underwent testing on a tile floor and an upholstered cushion; we did not test products on a surface if it was not appropriate for them. After counting the number of times it took to remove a range of recent, sticky spills and stains from the surfaces, we graded overall efficacy. We also noted which models were best for different types of chores and which ones could handle numerous tasks. We evaluated each cleaner’s adaptability and usage after exploring their features and accessories.
We pondered whether a machine’s larger water tank may make it too heavy to operate comfortably. We also put portability and noise level to the test so you don’t have to. For the products that were tested at home, the same features were evaluated in realistic situations, and we determined the overall value based on our interactions with the product and the cost you’d expect to pay. We carefully considered the testing insights after utilizing each of the gadgets to develop our suggestions.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Handheld Steam Cleaner
The greatest handheld steam cleaner will be one that fits your needs, including your patience as well as your arm strength and home necessities. Here are a few of the most crucial things to consider when purchasing.
Intended Use
Even with the water tank full, handheld steam cleaners are portable because to their modest size. Even the larger units only run for around 20 minutes, so they are best suited for handling urgent spills, light stains, pet accidents, and other minors, light-duty jobs. They also perform well for short periods of time.
Their intended usage might be made quite evident, such as with a steamer designed especially for clothing that is different from one used on a carpet. To choose the best handheld steam cleaner for you, consider the uses for steamers around the house and the areas where you truly need that power.
Wireless vs. Wired
They can be used with wired steamers for as long as the water tank will allow. A better output of steam and improved performance might be made possible by such steady power. However, the machine’s range is constrained by the cord, which can counteract the benefits of a handheld steamer.
Steamers that are cordless or wireless operate on a rechargeable battery. The battery needs to be recharged frequently, however it frequently lasts long enough to complete basic cleaning tasks. Remember that adding a battery makes the device heavier, which might not be ideal for people with weak arms.
Weight and Size
Keep in mind the operative word when discussing handheld steam cleaners: handheld. This implies that while the steamer is cleaning whatever is in its path, the user will be lifting and holding the steamer. The additional water may make using a handheld cleaner more challenging if the reservoir is huge. After a while, holding the steam cleaner up can be challenging, so seek a model with an ergonomic handle and controls or switches that are simple to access.
Another thing to think about is the steamer’s accessories. Look for ones that are both large enough to reach into the spaces you require and small enough to be stored conveniently when not in use with the handheld steamer.
Power
Similar to how some vacuum cleaners have more suction, some handheld steamers offer more pressure. Higher pressure can result in greater cleaning, but if a user is not careful, it can also result in harm. Do a little test of the material wherever it won’t be seen to determine how much power you should use when thorough cleaning the entire house. For example, when testing a sofa, test a patch on the furniture’s back. Find the power setting that cleans yet leaves no harm by experimenting with different power levels.
Steam Options
Some steamers only offer one setting. Only by moving the steamer closer or farther away from the item that needs cleaning can the temperature be adjusted. Different modes exist in some models. This typically denotes three: low, medium, and high. Although the steam doesn’t necessarily get any hotter, it does leave the steamer’s openings with more pressure.
The difference between a lower and higher pressure setting is around 15 and 30 grams per minute, respectively. A portable steam cleaner with a single pressure setting often offers the higher pressure. Use with care until you are certain that the surface can withstand the steam.
Tank Volume
It’s crucial for the user’s hand to be at ease while operating the steamer, so search for ergonomic handles with padding and simple-to-reach buttons that let them make adjustments without putting undue strain on their fingers. Consider the weight of the handheld steamer as well; the larger the tank’s capacity, the more water or solution it can hold and, consequently, the heavier it will be when in use. Consider a handheld type with longer attachments or a detachable wand if it will be used frequently to clean floors to save back strain.
Comfort
It’s crucial for the user’s hand to be at ease while operating the steamer, so search for ergonomic handles with padding and simple-to-reach buttons that let them make adjustments without putting undue strain on their fingers. Consider the weight of the handheld steamer as well; the larger the tank’s capacity, the more water or solution it can hold and, consequently, the heavier it will be when in use. Consider a handheld type with longer attachments or a detachable wand if it will be used frequently to clean floors to save back strain.
Extraordinary Qualities
As a regular component of the purchase, steam cleaners frequently come with a wide range of attachments. Look for a cleaner with a few brushes, a window squeegee, angled and flexible nozzles for cleaning in deeper or difficult-to-reach locations, steaming heads for cleaning carpets or mop heads, and a longer attachment for reaching regions like the tops of ceiling fan blades. If those aren’t sufficient, check for extra cleaning attachments that can be purchased, such as detailing nozzles for washing car seats or hard brushes for cleaning grout or grills in the kitchen.
FAQs
You may have more inquiries now that you have the knowledge necessary to reduce your options to the best handheld steam cleaner. Here are a few frequently asked questions.
Q: Can a handheld steam cleaner be used on carpet?
Yes. Keep in mind that a handheld steamer is good for spot cleaning; for whole-house carpet cleaning, go with a larger model designed specifically for that purpose.
Q: Will handheld steamers kill bedbugs?
Bedbugs and their eggs are killed with temperatures reaching between 160 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit. When using a handheld steamer on a mattress with the purpose of killing bedbugs, take your time and be sure to hit every inch of the fabric.
Q: What can not be cleaned with a steam cleaner?
Stay away from porous surfaces, large areas of carpet, delicate materials such as silk or satin, and any object or fabric that doesn’t do well with exposure to heat. Don’t use it on areas that have just been painted, waxed, or polished, and avoid use on unsealed materials, such as bare wood.
Q: Should I add disinfectant to my steam cleaner solution?
Most steam cleaners use the power of heat and steam to clean and sanitize. Never add anything other than water to the reservoir unless the manufacturer’s instructions specifically say it’s fine to do so.
Final Word
If you’re looking for a handheld steamer that offers excellent performance and unparalleled durability, we recommend the Vapamore Primo Steam Cleaner. While it is a bit on the expensive side, this product has been designed to last and offers professional-quality performance. At just four pounds and with a sleek ergonomic design, this product is easy to transport and operate.
Boasting 1500 watts of power, the Vapamore Primo Steam Cleaner offers continuous steam generation and cyclonic action to keep water from evaporating. This product also features two different nozzles for added versatility in cleaning tasks, a convenient water level window, an external fill indicator, and automatically shut-off feature to prevent over-filling.